A one-point loss to the Buffalo Bills, 28-27, might be how the Pittsburgh Steelers wrapped up their preseason, but the score isn’t the story. What *really* hit home was how a few specific players stepped up, big time, right before the NFL cutdown deadline drops.
Fresh Faces Lighting Up the Field
Second-round wide receiver Germie Bernard has been flashing his yards after catch ability, and it totally translates from college to the pros. Bernard pulled off what’s gotta be his best NFL play yet against the Bills, taking a short throw in the flats and just turning on the jets for the game’s first touchdown. You saw the wiggle in the open field, but you also saw that play strength to shrug off a tackle attempt. His preseason hasn’t been headline-grabbing, but he’s absolutely on the right path to being a contributor. If the Steelers’ passing game with Aaron Rodgers in 2026 keeps leaning on those quick concepts, having another receiver who can turn a short throw into a big gain is gonna be money.
Then there’s seventh-round running back Eli Heidenreich, who made a last-minute push for that RB3 spot. His nine carries for 35 yards and a touchdown might not scream “superstar” on paper, but he looked incredibly light on his feet and way more decisive as a runner this week. Plus, he actually had better running lanes, which helps! Heidenreich still looks a little slight for an NFL running back, but he kept his momentum through contact like a champ. He even showed off some special teams value, getting involved in at least one tackle and clocking a team-best 26-yard kickoff return. Odds are still that he takes a redshirt year on the practice squad, but this was his best showing, and we’re still waiting to see what he can do as a pass-catcher.
Wetjen’s Electric Moment
Saving the absolute best for last, fourth-round receiver and return specialist Kaden Wetjen gave us the moment of the game. After a rough outing last week against the Jets, and starting the Buffalo game with an “r…” well, he flipped the script! Wetjen took a punt return 45 yards to the house in the fourth quarter. Right when it felt like everyone online had finally turned on him, he dropped that highlight. You love to see a rookie respond to adversity like that.
These guys just threw down performances that demand attention. The decisions coming for the Steelers’ front office are gonna be incredibly tough after showings like these. It’s gonna be wild to see who makes the final roster when that cutdown deadline hits!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Behind the Steel Curtain.
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